Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Digital Music Production

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The program provides students with hands on experience, and a working knowledge of the creative and technical issues surrounding the production of digital audio and its application and synchronization with other media. Students will study various means of computer assisted digital audio production including sequencing, digital recording, recording studio techniques, mixdown, and synchronization to video. The business of music as well as current and emerging technologies, such as video game music and sound design will also be covered. A variety of music electives are available to help students gain experience in other musical skills including instruction on an instrument, ensemble playing, and music theory.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the creative and technical issues necessary for the production of digital audio and its application and synchronization with other media.

Demonstratea working knowledge ofcomputer assisteddigital audio productionincludingsequencing, digitalrecording,recording studio techniques, mixdown andsynchronization to video.

Demonstrate competency in the skills necessary for an entry level position in careers including audio technician in a studio, audio specialist for web design, independent audio technician in a project studio, audio technician/music specialist in a video post-production unit or company, retail specialist in a music store, music producer/composer for film, TV, radio or audio specialist for computer game company

Demonstrate an understanding of thebusiness of music andcurrent and emergingtechnologies for audio design.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

8 units
MUS 142
Creating Music on the Digital Audio Workstation
Basic techniques in creating music with computer assisted technology, including the production of software instrument tracks, drum track programming, audio recording, editing, mixdown, and use of the software sampler. Students learn practical applications through creation of musical projects.
    MUS 143
    Intermediate Techniques on the Digital Audio Workstation
    Intermediate techniques in creating music with computer assited technology including digital sound manipulation, time and pitch editing, virtual mixing, auxilliary tracks, MIDI effects, and use of the software sampler. Students learn practical applications and electronic composition through creation of musical projects.
    • Prerequisite: MUS 142
    MUS 147
    Digital Recording Studio Sound Design
    Techniques of sound design in the digital recording studio including creation of sampler instruments, classic analog synthesizer programming, and other techniques of original sound creation using digital audio manipulation. Some prior experience on a digital audio workstation recommended.
      MUS 152
      Beginning Audio Production
      Introduction to the theory and practice of audio production for radio, stage, television, film and digital recording applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of sound design and aesthetics, microphone use, and digital recording equipment. Students gain hands on experience recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio. Upon completion, students will have basic knowledge of applied audio concepts, production workflow, equipment functions, and audio editing software. (same as Digital Media 152)
        MUS 161
        Class Piano I
        Group instruction for beginners emphasizing note reading, basic keyboard skills, chord patterns and sight reading. Practice outside of class required. Practice pianos available on campus. Required for music majors whose principal instrument is not piano. Introduction to music reading on the keyboard.

          Second Semester

          9 units
          MUS 110
          Music Fundamentals
          An introduction to the notation and fundamental theoretical elements of Western music, demonstrated through a variety of styles, covering: pitch and rhythm concepts and structures, basic formal elements, and fundamental musicianship. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. In addition, interpreting music, written and aurally, with regard to its broad historical and cultural context will be covered, and critiquing different musical genres and styles in order to make aesthetic judgments about them by applying criteria from the knowledge and principles of music theory learned in class.
            Plan 1: 3A. Arts
            MUS 148
            Music Scoring for Film and Multimedia
            Techniques of scoring music, audio, and sound effects to video and multimedia. Compositional elements of scoring to picture as well as technical elements of creating digital audio tracks are covered. Experience with digital recording and/or working with a digital audio workstation is recommended.
              MUS 149
              The Business of Music
              Introduction to the business and legal aspects of the music industry. This course covers current trends and issues for performing and recording careers in music. Topics include copyright, royalties, recording contracts, performing rights organizations, publishing, and publicity.
                MUS 144
                Projects in Electronic Music
                Exploration of digital recording and MIDI concepts for commercial applications. Individual projects will improve and extend students' skills in the areas of composition, sequencing, and recording.
                • Prerequisite: MUS 143
                • Prerequisite: MUS 147
                MUS 162
                Class Piano II
                Group instruction for those possessing basic piano skills, but still classified as beginners. Emphasizes note reading, keyboard technique, chord patterns, and sightreading. Daily practice required. Practice pianos available on campus. Required for music majors whose principal instrument is not piano.
                • Prerequisite: MUS 161